Mr Freeze to bypass Travers 2018, point to another big spot

Impressive West Virginia Derby winner Mr Freeze will bypass next weekend's Travers Stakes in favor of another big spot for 3-year-olds.

Trainer Dale Romans said Saturday the colt is targeting the Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby. The race runs Sept. 22 at Parx Racing on a card including the Grade 1 Cotillion for 3-year-old fillies.

"We just decided to give him more time," Romans said.

Romans shipped Mr Freeze to Churchill Downs to continue training off his eye-catching score last out at Mountaineer. On Aug. 4, the horse romped by eight lengths while stopping the clock at 1:47.95 for 1 1/8 miles.

Mr Freeze posted his first workout back on Saturday, drilling a half mile in 49.80 seconds at Churchill Downs.

Campaigned by Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister, Mr Freeze could emerge as a top late bloomer from his crop. The son of To Honor and Serve debuted April 20 with a win at Keeneland, backed it up with an allowance score June 2 at Churchill Downs and from there went on to run second in the Iowa Derby.

In the West Virginia Derby, Mr Freeze, a $75,000 auction purchase, went wire to wire under jockey Robby Albarado.

Meanwhile, the New York Racing association considers 13 horses probable and another possible for the Aug. 25 Travers, on Friday adding Aidan O'Brien-trained Mendelssohn and Seahenge to the list.